ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE Selectmen, Treasurer, Highway Agents, Auditors, Board of Education and Library Trustees, OF THE Town of Newington, N. H., THE YEAR ENDING FEB. 15, :IS99. PORTSMOUTH : J, ®. mANDALI., PRINTER AND BOOK-BINDER, 1899. ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE Selectmen, Treasurer, Highway Agents, Auditors, Board of Education and Library Trustees, OF THE Town of Newington^ N* H*, THK YEAR ENDING FEB. 15, J899. PORTSMOUTH : j, d. randaivl, printer and book-binder, i8qq. State of New Hampshire. i I si To the Inhabitants of the Town of New^ington qualified to vote in tow^n affairs : You are hereby notified to meet at the Town Hall, in said town, on the second Tuesday of March next, at ten o'clock in the fore- noon, to act on the following subjects : 1. To choose a Town Clerk, Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, a Board of Cemetery Trustees, comprising three persons, and to serve one, two and three years respectively, Auditors, Highway Agents, and a Library Trus- tee. 2. To choose Measurers of Wood, Surveyors of Lumber, Fence Viewers, Pound Keeper, Fish and Game Wardens, and Police Officers. 3. To see what sum of money the town will raise for town ex- penses. 4. To see what sum of money the town will raise for the re- pairs of highways and bridges. 5. To see what sum of money the town will raise and appro- priate for the maintenance of the Public Library. 6. To see what disposition the town will make of the town's lands and buildings. 7. To see if the town will vote to cut wood on the town's land for the Hall, Library, Meeting House and Poor. 8. To see what action the town will take in regard to wood for school purposes. 9. To see if the town will vote to return to the Highway Dis- trict system, provided the act now before the Legislature becomes a law. Given under our hands and seal this twenty-fifth day of I'ebruary, 1899. ' ' ■ JOHN M. MOULTON, ) Selectmen LOUIS C. BEANE, [ of FRANK L. WHIDDEN, ) Newington. A true copy of warrant, attest : JOHN M. MOULTON. ) Selectmen LOUIS C. BEANE, \ of FRANK L. WHIDDEN, ) Newington. Town Officers Chosen March, 1898. Imvii Clerk, Marcus M. Hoyt. Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor, John M. Moul- TON, Louis C. Beane, Frank L. Whidden. Treasurer, James H. Knox, (Appointed.) Collector of Taxes, Thomas Newick. Highivay Agents, Joseph S. Hoyt, Cyrus Frink, Charles A. Dame. Super intoulent of Burying Ground, Enoch Coleman. fanitor of the Town Hall, Albert F. Durgin, (Appointed.) Auditors, Benjamin S. Hoyt, George VV. Pickering. Library Trustees, Sarah F. deRochemont, first year; Jos- ephine M. Hoyt, second year; Amanda Pickering, third year. Moderator, (Chosen Nov., i8g6,) Valentine M. Coleman. Supervisors of Checklist, (Chosen Nov., 1896,) James B. Pick- ering, Charles A. Dame, Sttllman A. Packard. Summary of Inventory. No. Valuation Polls, 94 $9,400 Land and buildings, 190,185 Horses, 167 10,500 Oxen, 2 100 Cows, 512 12,800 Neat stock. 36 765 Sheep, 20 60 Fowls, 210 JOS Bank stock, 2,866 Money at interest, 2. 100 Stock in trade. 400 1-64 of schooner, 75 Buildings not designated. 500 Total valuation, $229,856 Amount committed to collector, $ Rate per cent., $1.39 on one hundred dollars. ABATEMENTS. Asa H. Wentworth, pensioner, Patrick Quill, deceased. 5,184 7r 39 39 $2 7^ Selectmen's Report* STATE AND COUNTY TAXES. State tax, $463 25 County tax, 612 07 ^1,075 32 SCHOOL MONEY. Amount assessed, ^545 °° Dog money on hand, April i, 1898, 55 80 Literary fund, 27 60 $628 40 Less R. Pickering's school tax, 14 33 $614 07 Schoolhouse appropriation, ^35° 00 Orders issued on the Treasurer by the Selectmen : No, I, James Packard, interest on note, $30 00 2, J. D. Randall, printing town reports, 1897-8, 29 00 3, Ann B. Greenough, interest on note, dated April 2, 1896, 25 00 4, Sarah F. de Rochemont, library appropriation, 15 00 5, Martha Durgin, cleaning town hall, 5 00 6, C. A. Badger, labor on highway (last year,) 21 20 7, Treasurer of school board, dog money on hand, April I, 1898, 55 So 8, R. H. Beacham, labor on highway, (last year,) 10 88 9, Rider & I'otton, wire and staples, 21 99 10, Ann B. Greenough, interest on note, dated July 27, 1896, 15 00 M, Libby & Odell, 250 cedar stakes, 10 00 12, Sarah F. de Rochemont, interest in part on Langdon Library fund, 25 00 13, C. A. Dame, blade for and repairs on road machine, 10 65 14, C. A. Dame, shoveling snow (last year,) 9 54 15, B. S. Hoyt, moving and repairing wood shed, building fence, and lumber for same, $30 85 16, B. S. Hoyt, labor and material on entry at hall, 17 07 17, Treasurer of school board, part of school appro- priation, 100 00 18, Treasurer of school board, part of schoolhouse appropriation, 200 00 19, Treasurer of school board, textbooks and school supplies, 29 05 20, J. H. Gardiner, stock and labor, painting entry at town hall, 1 1 56 21, Joseph S. Hoyt, one third of highway appropri- ation, 200 00 22, Charles A. Dame, one-third of highway appro- priation, 200 00 23, Cyrus Frink, one-third of highway appropriation, 200 00 24, Ann B. Greenough, interest on note, dated Dec. 3, 1896, 25, L. D. Spinney, burying a horse, 26, Treasurer of school board, balance of school appropriation, 27, Treasurer of school board, literary fund, 28, Treasurer of school board, window blinds, 29, Ilsley & George, insurance on church, hall and school buildings, 30, Sarah F. de Rochemout, balance of interest on Langdon Library fund, .31, Treasurer of school board, balance of school- house appropriation, 32, Treasurer of school board, excess of school- house appropriation, 33, Wm. L Furber, election inspector, Nov., 1898, 34, John J. Greenough, election inspector, Nov., 1898, 2 GO 35, Norman H. Beane, election inspector, Nov., 1898, 2 00 36, Rufus Russell, election inspector, Nov., 1898, 2 00 37, James H. Knox, treasurer, 10 oc 38, Stillman A. Packard, supervisor of checklist, March and November, 10 00 39, Marcus M. Hoyt, services as town clerk, $15 00 recording births, marriages, deaths, 2 40 postage, 50 $17 90 15 00 I 00 430 27 6 67 60 89 76 00 35 GO '50 00 44 2 32 00 40, Charles A. Dame, supervisor of checklist, March and November, $io oo 41, John J. Greenough, 4 hens killed by dogs, 2 00 42, Asa H. Wentworth, i fowl killed by dogs, 50 43, Luther C. Pickering, sawing 6 cords of wood, 3 00 44, Wm. C. Laws, i fowl killed by dogs, 50 45, Jas. B. Pickering, supervisor of check- list, March and November, 10 00 cash for 12 copies of checklist, 2 00 46, Charles A. Dame, for clearing roads of snow to Feb. 16, 196 94 47, Jackson M. Hoyt, sexton of meeting- house, $20 00 hauling 3 1-2 cords of wood to meet- ing-house, I 75 cutting and hauling 2 cords of birch wood, 3 00 time, labor and material repairing furnace, 2 50 lamp chimneys and setting glass, 35 $27 60 48, Cyrus Frink, for clearing roads of snow to Feb. 16, 97 86 49, Joseph S. Hoyt, for clearing roads of snow to Feb. 16, ^2, 35 50, Charles H. Allard, sawing 10 1-2 cords of wood for schoolhouse, $5 25 hauling and sawing 3 cords for lib- rary, 4 50 559 75 51, Charles H. Pickering, i goose killed by dogs, 2 00 5 J, Frank L. VVhidden, shoveling snow (last year,) 3 52 53, Geo. W. Pickering, shoveling snow (last year,) i 20 54, Enoch Coleman, superintendent of burying ground, 10 00 55, Enoch Coleman, hauling posts and wire, and building fence on new road, 16 00 56, John M. Moulton, services as select- man, $20 00 postals and printing notices, 90 erecting and removing guard rail and voting booths, November election, i 00 time and expense to Concord, to set- tle with state treasurer, 5 co labor on furnace, $3 00 cash for funnel and wire, i 37 cash for furnace cement, 50 $31 77 57, Louis C. Beane, services as selectman, 15 00 58, Frank L. Whidden, services as selectman, 15 00 59, Joseph E. Leavitt, 6 chickens killed by dogs, i 50 60, Thomas Newick, services as tax collector, $30 00 tax bills, I GO I GO 61, Hoyt & Dow, town supplies, 3 52 62, Benjamin S. Hoyt and George W. Pickering, auditors' fees, 2 gg 63, Treasurer of school board, school supplies, 33 95 64, Valentine M. ('oleman, services as moderator, two years, 3 gg 65, Trustees of cemetery, interest on Demerritt fund, 6 oG 66, James W. Coleman, member of board of health, i gg 67, Benjamin S. Hoyt, member of board of health. i 00 68, Treasurer of City of Portsmouth, Richard Pick- ering's school tax, 14 ;^;^ 69, Nepoleon Racine, shoveling snow, (last year,) i 40 70, Albert F. Durgin, 3 hens killed by dogs, i 50 71, Florence Hoyt, board of education, 12 go Total amount of foregoing orders, $2,705 16 State tax, ^ 463 25 County tax, 612 07 Total amount expended, $3,780 48 DEMANDS AGAINST THE TOWN. James Packard's note, dated March i, 1896, Ann B. Greenough's note, dated April 2, 1896, Ann B. Greenough's note, dated July 27, £896, Ann B. Greenough's note, dated Dec. 3, 1896, TOWN DEBT. James Packard's note, dated March i, 1S96, Ann B. Greenough's note, dated April 2, 1896, Ann B. Greenough's note, dated July 27, 1896, $600 GO 50G GO 3CG GO 30G OG ^1,700 GO $600 GG 500 GO 3G0 OG Ann B. Greenough's note, dated Dec. 3, 1896, $300 00 S. D. F. Demerritt, cemetery trust fund, 200 00 Woodbury Langdon, library trust fund, 1,000 00 $2, goo 00 Less balance in treasurer's hands, 212 68 Total indebtedness, $2,687 3~ The foregoing is a true statement of the financial affairs of the town for the year ending Feb. 15, 1899. JOHN M. MOULTON, ) Selectmen LOUIS C. BEANE, > of FRANK L. WHIDDEN, ) Newington. We hereby certify that we have examined the foregoing ac- counts of the selectmen, and find them correctly cast and prop- erly vouched. BENJAMIN S. HOYT,| ^j GEO. W. PICKERING, 1^"°^- Highways. The amount of money raised for the repairs of highways and bridges, and committed to the Board of Highway Agents to be worked out in summer under their supervision, was $600, each agent receiving $200. REPORT OF JOSEPH S. HOYT, HIGHWAY AGENT. IN SUMMER. Paid Amos Dame, $4. 55 Joseph Adams, 3 90 R. H. Beacham, 11 40 Isaac F. Jenness, " 3 20 George Pace, 3 90 Charles A. Badger, 15 60 R. H. Pickering, 22 80 T. B. Hoyt, 24 80 J. H. Leavitt, 14 50 John S. Pickering, 7 20 John J. Greenough, 14 40 William T. Brown, 80 Asa H. Wentworth, 5 20 Thomas Newick, 18 20 Joseph H. Hoyt, 3 20 Daniel Davis, 13 00 Joseph S. Hoyt, 31 15 — $197 80 WINTER ACCOUNT TO FEB. l6, l< Paid John J. Greenough, Joseph H. Hoyt, 6 88 T. B. Hoyt, I 12 Daniel Davis, 5 44 Isaac F. Jenness, 3 44 John Alexander, 3 04 Charles A. Badger, 3 36 Thomas Newick, 80 Amos Dame, 80 Joseph Stopford, 80 A. Archibald, i 16 Joseph S. Hoyt, 4 87 $35 55 1 1 REPORT OF CYRUS FRINK, HIGHWAY AGENT. IN SUMMER. Paid James Wm. Hoyt, Thomas F. Pickering, James B. Pickering, Cyrus Frink, J. Brackett Pickering, John W. Towle, Frederick Pickering, Enoch Coleman, Albert C. Pickering, Darius Frink, Louis C. Beane (with road machine,) William C. Pickering, Luther C. Pickering, ' Alexander Archfbald, William T. Brown, Willard A. Brown, Asa H. Wentworth, Chas. A. Badger (with road machine,) William L. Furber, Alfred L. Brooks, Charles A. Hodgdon, Jackson M. Hoyt, Albert H. Garland, George Carkin, Daniel Littlefield, drain pipe. 5154 96 The following names are a list of those who gave the use of their teams one day on the highways : J. Brackett Pickering, Thomas and James Pickering, Freder- ick Pickering, and Cyrus Frink. The following gave the use of their teams one-half day on the Gosling road : James Wm. Hoyt, Frederick Pickering, Cyrus Frink, Darius Frink, Wm. C. Pickering, Enoch Coleman, and Albert C. Pick- ering. John W. Towle gave one day's work spreading gravel. The sum of ^45 04 of summer appropriation remains in the hands of Cyrus Frink, to be used later. $19 01 6 38 5 10 29 67 6 48 8 65 10 26 6 50 6 50 4 25 4 00 2 00 5 45 8 18 2 25 2 25 2 25 6 00 I 60 5 45 I 50 3 50 2 25 3 20 2 28 12 WINTER ACCOUNT TO FEB. l6, 1899 Paid Alfred L. Brooks, Albert E. Hodgdon, James Wm. Hoyt, Mrs. Margeson, James B. Pickering, Thomas F. Pickering, J. Brackett Pickering, James Carkin, J. Kelley, Walter Bernham, John W. Towle, Manly Hoyt, Frederick Pickering, Charles Eaton, Enoch Coleman, Albert H. Garland, Willard A. Brown, Jackson M. Hoyt, Luther C. Pickering, Shelby Pickering, Cyrus Frink, F. Moody, Henry Wilson, Charles A. Hodgdon, Herbert E. Hodgon, Alexander Archibald, $11 3 75 60 I 12 3 GO 3 05 3 54 3 1 00 60 2 80 2 80 7 36 5 20 9 I 75 86 40 4 40 26 ^5 2 00 4 17 GO 96 2 2 I 72 48 76 80 50 $97 86 CHARLES A. DAME, HIGHWAY AGENT, [Submitted no report for summer. His winter account is given below :] PAID TO FEB. 16, 1899. Paid Louis C. Beane, Jas. W. Coleman, Valentine M. Coleman, J. H. Coleman, N. P. Coleman, Patrick McDonough, J. M. Hoyt, Enoch Coleman, A. H. Garland, J. H. Knox, B. S. Hoyt, ■4 00 9 9.6 2 12 4 GO 4 32 5 92 5 12 5 5 12 76 5 6 00 48 '3 Paid F. L. Whidden, J. W. Whidden, Wm. C. Laws, E. F. Brown, Harrison Downing, E. T. Downing, Ephraim Downing, D. W. Badger, G. W. Pickering, J. Mugford, Shelby Pickering, John Knight, H. S. de Rochemont, C. M. de Rochemont, F. W. de Rochemont, Andrew Prest, L. C. Pickering, Willard A. Brown, Darius Frink, A. C. Pickering, Albert Durgin, C. A. Dame, F. and L. Spinney. Amanda Pickering, H. H. Downing, Isaac Dow, Chas. W. Coleman, $3 52 S GO 6 24 14 96 3 84 4 44 3 20 7 20 2 40 2 40 I 60 9 82 4 00 7 86 8 40 3 36 4 12 3 36 6 84 12 96 3 20 7 34 5 00 6 56 2 40 2 08 7 04 $196 94 School Report. The annual report of the Newington School Board for the year ending Aug. ist, 1898, is herewith respectfully submitted : To administer wisely and faithfully the duties belonging to the school board, to see that the many interests t)f our town are properly guarded and the sum appropriated by its citizens is judiciously expended, demand both time and care, often involv- personal sacrifice ; and in presenting the annual report, the chairman desires to express her appreciation of the business- like method and hearty co-operation manifested in the affairs conducted by the board. Following the usual custom, the table of general statistics ac- companies this report for reference and comparison. The number of scholars enrolled is the same as last year. The average daily attendance, we regret to record, is 2 per cent, less than last year. The question of regularity of attendance in our school is one of the most difficult with which we have to deal. Much as we are striving to do for the advancement of our children, we real- ize that our efforts will be of little avail unless we have the hearty co-operation of the home ; and we feel that the fault lies, for the most part, with the parents. Parents, will not you join hands with the School Board, whom you have selected as be- ing worthy of this trust, and by seeing that your children are in their places, regularly and punctually, help to make ours the ideal country school of New Hampshire ? Then, too, an occa- sional visit will show your interest, and stimulate both teacher and pupils — their work is to be seen, and they will strive to do that which may be commended. During the past year our school has suffered considerably by change of teachers. 15 Perhaps the most noticeable advancement during the year has been in singing. In April, 1897, music was introduced as a regular course of study, under the supervision of Miss Lucy M. Hoyt of Portsmouth ; and after a year's work in this branch we feel that the results thus far obtained have been most satis- factory, and we anticipate continued improvement in the com- ing year, when Miss Hoyt will spend a half hour every week in each room. In these days children are taught to sing by note, to read music to comprehend music, and, "To so acquire the art and science of singing as t(-) add one more factor to their education — the cultivation of the aesthetic faculty of our nature that in this hard practical life is so often neglected." At the regular meeting of the school district, held March 31, 1898, the town voted to appropriate three hundred and fifty dollars, ($350) to be used at the discretion of the School Board in repairing the schoolhouse. Realizing the number of repairs needed and the small appro- priation with which to make them, we have carefully studied plans of schoolhouses, consulted wtth teachers as to necessities and conveniences, and had one who has made scientific school- room arrangement a study, look over our building; as the result of our investigation we have decided upon changes which we believe to be the most scientific, hygienic and pleasing arrange- ments possible to be gotten from our present schoolroom. This room which is 32 by ;^7i feet, is lighted by three north and three south windows. We shall divide it into two rooms, a primary and a grammar room. The primary room will be. 10 by 32 feet, lighted by two west, one north and one south window, and will be furnished with twenty-lwo new desks and ninety-five square feet of the best slate blackboards. The grammar room will be 23 by 32 feet, lighted directly by two north and two south windows, and indirectly by the light from the two west windows coming through four large windows in the partition, and will be furnished with twenty-six new desks and one hundred and thirty-twj squire feet of the best slate blackboards. i6 Both rooms will have freshly-painted walls, new hardwood floors, and will be ready for occupancy Sept. i. These arrangements afford for the first time in the history of the town the possibilities of two distinct and partially graded schools. •We would recommend the introduction of drawing as a regu- lar course of study ; a set of advanced music readers, the selec- tion to be left to the music teachers ; the adoption of a course of study similar to that laid out by the State Normal School, and the employment of two teachers throughout the year. We would call attention to the fact that seventeen new vol- umes have been added to the school library during the present year. In conclusion : There are few country towns, offering advan- tages equal to those of Newington for the development of an ideal country school. We have as many school weeks and more school hours than our neighboring cities. Our teachers are rarely denied new books or supplies. The town has granted the use of the hall and the Shakespeare Club the use of the piano, when such would prove useful or pleasing in the furtherance of the work. Our children nearly all come from rea/ homes ; not of luxury, but of comfort. Our parents are ever ready to "lend a hand" in the preparation of home studies. But these favorable conditions place great responsibility up. on those charged with the management of the school ; for the future is largely dependent upon the policies of the present. Forty-seven children mean forty-seven human possibilities for infinite good or terrible evil. Our efforts have been for what we considered to be fnr the best interest of these children. We have tried some things which have not succeeded. Some things attempted have succeeded beyond our anticipa- tion. In few cases have our ideals been reached. It is well that it is thus. "Ideals fully attained are too low to be of much ser- vice in lifting this world Godward." '7 We believe the outlook for the year to come is the brightest the school has ever known. FLORENCE HOYT, MARTHA COLEMAN, } School Board. ABBIE R. BEANE, TABLE OF GENERAL STATISTICS. ^ c >> bir, .2- u .2 > 0 3 ■3 bC c '5. »■ E < ^ u H J! E 0 '"5 •s -s U) 1 V 13 1 ■a 1 CD M 0 0 i5 B 0 •J .y 0 > 0 0 J3 < s 0 V C = c c 0 c c = c = = c B = c ij PS n « d s; ^ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 r-i Z Z ^ Z < (X Z Z Z Z Z 2; z •z z z 2 Z z 2 Laura K, Ransom $44 Fall l.ydia S Coleman, Laura E Ransom. 13 20 40 42 31 8378 42 42 42 42 '9 28 ■5 '9 ° '9 42 0 4 0 Winter. Lydia .S. Coleman. Laura K. Ransom. 12 20 40 4< 3' ■8378 41 41 41 41 30 28 '4 26 0 25 40 0 3 0 Spring Jennie C. Hanscom. 1 1 30 40 3' .8611 40 40 40 40 34 28 12 34 0 27 40 0 0 0 Number of scholars not less than five years of age who have attended school not less than two weeks, 46. Number of children between 5 and 15 not attending school, 6. Number of children in town reported, boys, ^^ ; girls, 19. Number of visits by school board, 25. Number of visits by citizens, 27, FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF NEWINGTON. A copy of the account of treasurer of school district of New- ington, from Aug. i, 1897, to Aug. 1, 1898 : . AMOUNT RECEIVED. Aug. I, 1897, Cash in treasury. Dog tax for 1895 and 1896, School money, $1 16 07 143 10 530 51 i8 Literary fund, $32 24 For old geographys, i 50 July 26, i8g8, Dog tax for 1897, 55 80 Aug. I, 1898, Total receipts, $879 22 AMOUNT EXTENDED. Paid Frederick Pickering, $3 50 Oliver W. Ham, 5 50 A.. J. Collins, ■ 75 Miss L. E. Ransom, 271 00 Miss L. S. Coleman. 75 00 Miss L. M. Hoyt, 46 00 Winnie Moody, 12 00 Edith Moody, 7 50 F. Moody, I 75 A. P. Wendell & Co., 3 99 For school supplies, 59 42 Hoyt & Dow, 4 50 Frederick Pickering, 3 50 Jackson M Hoyt, 2 00 Lydia Coleman, 2 00 de Rochemont Bros., 75 Orders issued on the Treasurer by School Board after April I, 1898 : No. I, Laura E. Ransom, teaching. $40 00 2, Jennie C. Hanscom, teaching, 22 50 3, Amos Moody, janitor. 3 00 4, Florence Hoyt, text books, 10 78 5, Florence Hoyt, cleaning and supplies, 9 40 6, Laura E. Ransom, teaching, 40 00 7, Jennie C. Hanscom, teaching, 30 00 8, Amos Moody, janitor, 3 00 9, Amos Moody, janitor, 2 25 10, Laura E Ransom, teaching, 30 00 11, Jennie C. Hanscom, 22 50 12, Lucy M. Hoyt, teaching, 26 00 13, Florence Hoyt, supplies, hall, architect. 3 85 14, Geo. W. Pickering, painting flag-pole, h;illiards. 3 95 Total expenditures, $746 39 Cash on hand, 132 83 >9 1 hereby certify that I have examined the foregoing accounts of the Newington School Board, and find them correctly cast and with proper vouchers for all expenditures. JOSEPH S. HOYT, Auditor. FLORENCE HOYT, ) MARTHA COLEMAN, ^School Board. ABBIE R. BEANE, ) Langdon Public Library. SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The end of another year's service as custodians of this trust makes it incumbent upon the Board of Trustees to present their usual statistics, and other matters of interest, showing the important part this institution is playing in the progress and culture of the town. This report covers the operations of the library for the official year ending- February 15, 1899. Though many plans for usefulness have not been carried out, ideals with which we started have not been lowered. The library is no longer an ex- periment. The place it has gained in the hearts of the people it must be its ambition to deserve and retain. Its blessings are so manifest, it needs no trumpet. In addition to the usual routine of library work devolving upon the trustees, two long cherished projects, which have been kept in the background on account of other more ur- gent needs, have been consummated. One has been the completion of our system of charging, by the introduction of card pockets and charging slips, a convenience which will prove of advantage to all using the books ; and the other special work has been the embellishing of the in- terior by tinting the walls and ceiling, with the addition of frieze and moulding, and the more difficult task of restor- ing the floor to its original presentable appearance. Those who have so kindly volunteered their services in assisting in manipulating the books are entitled to the 21 thanks of the ofificers of the library. While their aid has been valuable to the managers, they have themselves de- rived great benefit from the opportunity to widen their knowledge of the scope of library work in detail, and so have been fitting themselves to serve the best interests of the library, either as counsellors in library control, or as custodians of the books. The experience of the workers during the past years in setting the machinery in motion has been an excellent training school in library science and practical management. The work accomplished for the Langdon Library during the few years of its existence abundantly repays the efforts put forth in its behalf. Cit- izens are invited to acquaint themselves with matters per- taining to library progress and administration as shown in the periodicals and other publications regularly supplied to the reading table ; and they are especially urged to read all the bulletins and reports of the State Board of Library Commissioners that they may be posted in the standing and requirements of our library as compared with other libraries, in order to have a clear comprehension of the present and future demands for the best possible service. The two-book system, which we early adopted, permit- ting borrowers to have their dessert with their solid men- tal food, tends to desirable results. Borrowers take a novel for recreation, and are invited to take also a book of his- tory, travel, science, etc., for more leisurely reading. The scheme is advantageous on the same principle as access to shelves, and other privileges giving patrons the fullest use of the books. Valuable books that are seldom taken out. are by this plan placed in circulation, and it is of special advantage in families where the number of cards is fewer than the number of books desired. The value of a library depends on the readers rather than on the contents of the book-stacks. It is only when the best books reach the readers that the work is efficient. 22 Parents, teachers, and librarians should use tactful over- sight of children's reading in counteracting the tendency to read ill-adapted books. A reading habit which will prove both a safeguard against tempation and an inspiration to a nobler life should be cultivated. Teachers especially should acquaint themselves with the books in the public library which will best supplement their instruction, in or- der to recommend the most suitable books to their pupils. A library does not offer minute information upon every subject ; but it does provide general information upon most lines of thought. The child who habitually frequents the library becomes familiar with its workings, learns the use of its catalogue, learns why certain books are always in certain places, and learns that rules must be observed, and quiet maintained, in order that the rights of others may be conserved. The preparation of a card catalogue is one of the de- mands which the near future will bring. No better method has yet been devised for presenting a knowledge of the re- sources of a collection of books to those seeking informa- tion. Reading lists should be prepared to aid in the selec- tion of desirable courses of reading for different classes of readers. An annotated catalogue is another need which should be met. Bulletins should be posted showing in what volumes or periodicals topics of current interest are discussed. Lectures from time to time should be provided with special reference to library interests. These lectures need involve no expense. It is fitting here to note the transfer of our former libra- rian to a higher state of usefulness, and to express the hearty appreciation of the present executive board, and of all members of earlier boards of trustees, of her patience in the faithful performance of the sometimes trying duties connected with the organization of the library, and its ex- perimental years of management. She loved the work. 23 and the love of those she served so well is part of her re- reward. Her successor brings to the work a love for books, a cul- tured, well stored mind, a discriminating taste, and a rec- ognition of her opportunity to make the library an educat- ing, refining, elevating influence. Special attention of patrons is invited to the study of the specimens of natural history exhibited in their season by the librarian, accompanied with descriptive pages from the best authors, or with queries relating to the object pre- sented for inspection. Profitable studies have been fur- nished on successive Saturdays from the exhibits in bot- any, zoology, and mineralogy. These exhibits wiih the handsome pair of inounted birds, the hooded merganser, rare in this locality, presented to the library by N. P. Cole- man, should serve as the nucleus of a valuable collection of the fauna and flora of this vicinity. Commenting on the small library buildings of Massachu- setts, a western writer says, "Nothing can be more suita- ble, impressive, and generally desirable than their collec- tions of fine paintings, statuary, and specimens of natural history or antiquities arranged along the walls of vestibules and reading rooms." He emphasizes the necessity of mak- ing the small library buildings practical and beautiful. In- expensive pictures are admirable for study of the story each tells, the artist who conceived the original, and the gallery containing it. The standard of refinement attained by a community is fairly estimated by the condition of its public buildings. The fifth anniversary of the dedication of the library was ob- served in September, in a very pleasing and profitable manner; and the thanks of the library officials are due to the many friends who so cordially responded, by their presence or by letter, to invitations to assist in making the occasion memorable and instructive. The reception at the library was not the least 24 enjoyable feature of the day, as many of the out of town guests had participated in the exercises of dedication, and were hearty in their commendation of the changes five years had brought about. The series of structural improvements, considerable accession of new books, rearrangement of space, additional furnishings, and wall decorations, were all the subject of favorable comment. The general spirit of appreciation, expressed by our citizens, of the advantages afforded through the foresight and generosity of the founder of the library, in seizing the opportunity of at- taching his name to a monument to his devotion to the inter- ests of the community in the home of his adoption, was made the subject for congratulation ; and the sentiment was voiced that our people may well look back over the past few years of the library's existence with satisfaction, and forward upon its future with confidence. The exercises at the town hall on this occasion consisted of vocal and instrumental music by Misses Faye and Lucy Hoyt and Mr. Willis Ricker, and addresses by Miss Garland of the Dover library. Rev. Dr. Robie of Greenland, Channing Folsom, State Superintendent of Schools, J. C. Simpson, Superintendent of Portsmouth Schools, Professor Barrett Wendell of Harvard, President Murkland and Professor Scott of Durham College, and Frank W. Hackett of Washington. Space does not per- mit extended comment on these addresses, all of which were helpful and inspiring. Particular mention should be made of Mr. Hackett's plea for a local historian, who should collect and preserve in permanent form all items of general interest relat- ing to the annals of the town. Every town library should spec alize in the field of local history. The following named periodicals are provided for the read- ing table : MONTHLIliS. WEEKLIES. Review of Reviews. I.iterar}- Dijrest. Frank Leslie's. Leslie's Weekly. McC'lure's. Harper's Weekly. Delineator. Harper's [5azar. Ladies' H')nie Journal (2 copies.) Christian Endeavor World. Saint Nicholas. Youth's Companion. Kitchen Magazine. Prairie Farmer. 25 The Housekeeper (bi-weekly.) American Poultry Journal. Child Garden. The Woman's Home Companion. Public Libraries The Gentlewoman. New Engrland Farmer. Union Signal. The Outlook. Christian Register. Congregationalist. Boston Herald (Saturday issue.) Since a large proportion of our annual appropriation is ex- pended for this current literature, patrons are urged to keep their reading up to date by taking these periodicals home on conditions similar to those applying to bound volumes. This reading of current periodicals has already advanced from nine- ty-eight in 1894, to more than twenty-four hundred in 1898. The trustees acknowledge gratefully the following donations : Woodbury Langdon, Illustrated London News, 1897, . . 2 vols. U. S. Government, Report of Commissioners of P^ducation, . 1 vol. " " Report of Interstate Commerce Commission, 1 " " " Report of National Museum, . . 1 " " " Fourteenth Report of Civil Service Commission, 1 " Town of Newington, Fifth N. H. Regiment, 1861-1865, . . 1 " Frank W. Hackett, Life of W. A. Richardson 1 " Mrs. Palmer, Inebriety, ... .... 1 " Florence Coleman, Captain January, . . . . , . 1 " Library Bureau, Catalogue, ...... 2 vols. " " Card Index Outfit, pamphlet Caroline Garland, Report of Dover Library, John S. Hayes, " " Somerville Library, F. H. Hild, " " Chicago Library, F. M. Crunden, " " St. Louis Library, " " Public Library Magazine, A. H. Cliase, State Library Subject — Author Catalogue, Laura K. Drew, Cumulative Index, .... Grace E. Blanchard, " " 1890, 1891. 1898, No. 9, Mrs. Frank Pickering, Life of John Tyler, City of Portsmouth, Annual Report. .... State Library Commission, Bulletin No. 3, State Library Commission, Address of John S. Hayes, N. E. Stiles, Dover, Five hundred magazine slips. J. M. Smith, Portsmouth, ('handelier. Somerville Library, Monthly bulletins. Herbert B. Dame, Boston & Maine Courier. Piscataqua Grange, Agricultural bulletins. C. W. Rogers, The Morning Star, ..... Annie L, Beane, Exeter News Letter, 2 pamphlets \ United States Navy, Illustrated, Andrew Prest, s ». t,- 1 j u »* ' } New England Home Magazine, A Friend, Boston Herald, . . . . . Florence Hoyt, The Outlook, .... N. P. Coleman, Pair mounted birds. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS DONATED. Y. P. 8. C. E., Christian Endeavor World. W. C. T. U., Union Signal. 1 copy . 1 " 1 pamphlet 17 copies Each Saturday 3 months 26 Piscataqua Grange, New England Farmer. Reapers' Circle, Ladies' Home Journal. Shakespeare Club, McClure's Magazine. Rev. Samuel Eliot, Cliristian Register. E. A. Pickering, Congregationalist. Amanda Pickering, The Gentlewoman. Donor unknown. Woman's Home Companion. The opening of the puzzle book donated to the library by Marcus M. Hoyt in 1894, remained an unsolved problem until this year, when Mr. E. C. L. Morse, of Medway, Mass., inter- preted the riddle and disclosed the interior and its contents to the satisfaction of the librarian, leaving the mosaic sealed as he found it for other geniuses to sharpen their wits upon. Capt. J. M. Sinith of Portsmouth is entitled to the thanks of the trus- tess and patrons of the Langdon library for the handsome chan- delier which he has recently donated to the reading room. The bound volumes catalogued to date are classed as follows: American History, 105 Dratna and Poetry, 77 American Biography, 79 Literature, 94 Foreign History, 150 Religion, 1(5 Foreign Biography, 132 Reference, 62 Travels and Researches, 102 Bound Periodicals, 153 Arts and Sciences, 160 Reports, 116 Prose Fiction, 955 Pamphlets not catalogued. Borrowers registered to date, .......-■ 374 Visitors " " " (96 during 1898,) .... 470 Total attendance, for year, . 1360 Average " " ........ 25 Number of days open to public, ....... 52 " " books issued during year, ...... 2489 " " periodicals issued during year, ..... 2404 Largest monthly issue, February, ...... 558 Smallest " " August, ....... 258 CLASSIFIED CIPCILATION. Arts and Sciences, .......... 155 History and Biography, ... ..... 247 , Travel and Researches, . . . ... ... 150 Drama, Essays, and Poetry, ....... 113 Fiction, 1742 Current Periodicals, ......... 2404 Bound Periodicals. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. KKCEIPTS, Cash on hand, Feb. 15, 1898, '$1 70 Interest on Langdon Fund, ... . . . 60 00 Town appropriation, . . - . . . 15 00 Fines collected, 2 86 Total, $79 56 24 75 5 25 1 50 13 35 5 01 1 79 12 91 $79 5t> 27 EXPENDITUKES. Faith R. Pickering, librarian from Feb. 15 to July 2, 1898, inclusive, ' $15 00 Lydia S. Coleman, librarian from July 2, 1898, to Feb. 15, 1899, Lutlier r. Pickering, janitor to April 1, 1898, Faith S. Pickering, extra services, . . . ' . W. H. Moore, Subscription Agency, .... Incidental supplies, ........ Money orders, express, ....... Amount on hand, ........ Total, In addition to the foregoing financial statement, one hundred thirty-five dollars have been appropriated from Mr. Langdon's special donation to the trustees for the following purposes : — $88.52 for improvements on walls and floor, and $46.48 for card pockets and slips, periodicals, binding and rebinding books. The policy of the successive boards of directors of this lib- rary has been shaped to make the library vital to the intellec- tual life of the town, and potent in its influence fnr the good of all. That library management which is true to the highest ideals must refine the taste of its patrons, and lead them to read judiciously. CarFyle said all the villages in his vicinity had' jails, while none had a public library. He evidently regarded books as weapons with which to fight vice and crime. Libra- ries are less expensive than prisons, and much more effective. No expenditure of money brings such immediate returns as that invested in libraries. Some one has said that the good soldier treasures the laurels he has won, but enters upon his next cam- paign in expectation of greater victories. In view of what has already been done, the Langdon Library may safely promise its patrons better service in the future. The board of trustees presents the foregoing for the approval of their fellow towns, men ; and asks no greater reward than their commendation. Respectfully submitted, SARAH F. DE ROCHEMONT, ) Board JOSEPHINE M. HOYT, } of AMANDA PICKERING, ) Trustees. Librarian, LYDIA SMITH COLEMAN. Supplement to Catalogue. February, 1899. AMERICAN HISTORY. Child, Wm. Fifth N. H. Regiment, 40.104 AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY. Capt. Hedley Vicars, 60.78 Hackett, Frank W. Life of William A. Richardson, 60.79 ARTS AND SCIENCES. Palmer, C. F. Inebriety, 50.160 FICTION. Richards, Laura E. (^aptain January. 7 R 2 REFERENCE. State Library Subject— Author Catalogue, 1897, 10.62 Library Bureau Catalogue, 1898, 10.59 Fletcher, W.L (Ed.) Cumulative Index, 1890, 1891,1897.1898, No. 9, 1898. BOUND PERIODICALS. Illustrated London News, 1897. (2 volumes.) St. Nicholas, 1897-1898. Vol. XXV. Part I. 0.94 St. Nicholas, 1898. Vol. XXV. Part II. 0.95 Child Garden, 1898. Vol. VI. 0.96 Frank Leslie's Magazine, 1897. Vol. XLIII. 0.151 Frank Leslie's Magazine, 1897. Vol, XLIV. ' 0.152 McClure's Magazine, 1896-1897. Vol. VIII. 0.156 McClure's Magazine, 1897, Vol. IX. 0.157 McClure's Magazine, 1897-1898 Vol. X. 0.158 McClure's Magazine, 1898. Vol. XI. 0.159 American Review of Reviews, 1898. Vol. XVII. 0.161 American Review of Reviews, 1898. Vol. XVIII. 0.162 American Kitchen Magazine, Vols. VI and VII. 0.171 American Kitchen Magazine, Vols. VIII and IX. 0.172 National Report of Commissioners of Education, 1896-1897, Vols. 1 and II Eleventh National Report of Interstate Commerce Commission, 1897. Smithsonian Report of National Museum, 1895. Fourteenth Report of Civil Service (k)mmission, 1896-1897. Smithsonian Institution, Annual Report, 1890. National Report of Secretary of Agriculture, 1892. National Report of (^onmiissioners of Agriculture, 1888. Treasurer's Report. RECEIPTS. Cash on hand, Feb. 15, 1898, $100 54 Savings bank tax, 454 04 Railroad tax, 41 52 Literary fund. 27 60 Dog license, 88 20 Rent of town house, less repairs, '9 19 Rent of town hall, 14 14 Rent of town pasture, 20 00 Lots sold in cemetery, 21 00 From collector of taxes. 3,183 32 Wood for school. 25 00 — ^3,994 55 PAID. State tax. ^463 25 County tax. 612 07 Orders of selectmen. 2,705 16 Refunded poll tax. I 39 — ip3,7°i "7 Cash on hand, Feb. [5, il $212 68 JAMFS H. KNOX, Treasurer. We hereby certify that we have examined the foregoing re- port and find it properly vouched and correctly cast. BENJAMIN S. HOYT, I . GEO. W. PICKERING, j ^"°''"^^- 30 Insurance on Town's Property. The policies on the town hall, schoolhouse and meetinghouse, expires January i, 1902. The policy on the public library and books expires March 15, 1899. The policy on the old parsonage house, barn and road ma- chine, expires January i, 1901. Dog Account. Number of dogs licensed, 39 — 6 being females. Amount of dog license, less clerk's fees. BILLS PAID FROM THE DOG ACCOUNT John J. Greenough, 4 hens, Asa H. Wentworth, i fowl, Wm. C. Laws, i fowl, Charles H. Pickering, i goose, Joseph E. Leavitt, 6 chickens, Albert F. Durgin, 3 hens, Postals and printing notices, License on hand, $79 30 f,2 00 50 50 2 GO I 50 I 50 90 $8 ( Report of Overseers of Poor. No demand on the town has been made during the year for aid for the poor — this being the seventh year in succession dur- ing which period there has been no call on the treasury for as- sistance in this direction. JOHN M. MOULTON, Chairman. 31 Police Department. At our last annual town meeting the following officers were elected : James Drew, at the P. & D. R. R. station. Albert F. Durgin, at the hall. Albert H. Garland and James Quill. Each officer is furnished with a badge, and a set of handcuffs is in the possession of Officer Garland. Said badges and hand cuffs are the property of the town, and are to be delivered to their successors. Second Annual Report of Board of Health. Only two cases have demanded our attention, both for dead horses that had not been buried. JAMES W. COLEMAN, ) Board BENJAMIN S. HOYT, [ of CHARLES A. BADGER, ) Health Report of Superintendent of Burying Ground. During the past year I have disposed of burial lots to the fol- lowing named persons : Oct 26, i8g8, Irving Brooks, Dover, i lot, ^5 00 Oct. 26, 1898, Mrs. Mary E. Frink, Newington, i lot, i 00 Jan. 14, 1899, Mrs. Gertrude Fletcher, Portsmouth, i lot, 15 00 $21 00 ENOCH COLEMAN, Superintendent. 32 Report of Trustees of Cemetery. RECEIVED From selectmen, interest on S. D. F. De- merritt fund, $6 oo interest on Caldwell fund, 3 00 cash left over from last year. i 50 PAID James VV. Coleman, for fertilizer on case of Caldwell and Demerritt lots, $4 50 DEMANDS IN FAVOR OF CEMETERY. S. D. F. Demerritt fund, $200 00 Interest on Demerritt fund, in Portsmouth Savings Bank, 18 63 Johji Caldwell fund, with interest, in Portsmouth Savings Bank, 109 72 $10 50 ;28 35 JAMES W. COLEMAN, ) Trustees FREDERICK PICKERING, > of BENJAMIN S. 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